Woman River Forest Provincial Park

Woman River Forest Provincial Park is a remote natural environment park in northeastern Ontario, encompassing 6,305 hectares of boreal forest, wetlands, and several lakes, including a six-kilometre stretch of the Woman River. With no facilities or marked trails, it offers solitude and opportunities for backcountry camping, paddling, and wildlife observation in a pristine wilderness setting.

Home » Parks » Woman River Forest Provincial Park

Woman River Forest Provincial Park is a non-operating provincial park located near Timmins in Northern Ontario. The park protects a remote section of boreal forest shaped by Canadian Shield bedrock, wetlands, and interconnected waterways, including portions of the Woman River. Its landscape reflects long-term natural processes influenced by glaciation, flowing water, and forest succession.

The Woman River and associated lakes form the core of the park’s natural features and support low-impact backcountry travel such as canoeing and fishing. Surrounding forests and wetlands provide habitat for wildlife typical of the boreal region, including large mammals, birds, and aquatic species adapted to lightly disturbed environments. The area functions as part of a broader forest and river corridor within the region.

As a non-operating park, Woman River Forest Provincial Park has no developed facilities, maintained trails, or designated campsites. Access is limited, and visitors are expected to be fully self-sufficient and follow minimal-impact practices. Park management focuses on conserving forest and river ecosystems while allowing carefully managed, low-impact recreational use consistent with its wilderness character.

General Information

Year Established: 2003

Park Size: 6305.00 ha

Park Classification: Natural Environment

Phone: 705-899-2644

Location

Situated near the vibrant city of Timmins, Woman River Forest Provincial Park is a haven for those seeking solace in the embrace of nature. This guide aims to be your compass, providing insights into camping options, facilities, and the myriad of activities that await in this pristine wilderness.

Latitude: 49.758122 Longitude: -92.653490

Facilities & Recreation

Woman River Forest Provincial Park is a quiet, non-operating park in northern Ontario that protects a diverse mix of forests, wetlands, lakes, and river systems. The park includes Woman Lake, several smaller lakes, and roughly six kilometres of the Woman River, creating a peaceful setting that appeals to visitors looking for low-impact outdoor activities and a more remote experience.

Boating is possible on Woman Lake and the surrounding smaller lakes, although there are no developed boat launches or services. Visitors must bring their own equipment and be prepared for undeveloped access points. Canoeing and kayaking are especially well suited to the park, with the Woman River offering calm, scenic paddling through wetlands and forested shoreline, ideal for quiet exploration and wildlife viewing.

Fishing is another popular activity, with the park’s lakes and river supporting a variety of fish species. Anglers should be fully self-sufficient, carry a valid Ontario fishing licence, and follow provincial regulations, as there are no on-site facilities or amenities. Hiking is informal and unmaintained, but the park’s varied terrain allows for off-trail exploration through mixed forest and wetland areas, offering opportunities for nature appreciation and observation of birds and wildlife.

Pets are permitted within the park but must be kept under control at all times. Given the sensitive natural environment and lack of services, visitors are expected to practice Leave No Trace principles, plan carefully, and be prepared for a fully self-guided, backcountry-style visit.

Nearby Attractions

Timmins Museum: National Exhibition Centre: This museum offers a deep dive into the region’s history, culture, and mining heritage through engaging exhibits and national exhibitions.

Hersey Lake Conservation Area: A haven for nature enthusiasts, this area features scenic hiking trails, diverse wildlife, and serene lake views, perfect for outdoor activities year-round.

Gillies Lake Conservation Area: Located in the heart of Timmins, this urban oasis offers a 2.5 km trail encircling the lake, picnic facilities, and a supervised swimming area, making it ideal for family outings.

Mount Jamieson Resort: Formerly known as Kamiskotia Snow Resort, this destination provides skiing, snowboarding, and tubing opportunities during the winter months, catering to all skill levels.

Cedar Meadows Wilderness Tours: Experience close encounters with Canadian wildlife such as moose, bison, and deer on guided tours through this expansive 175-acre park.

Nearby Parks

  • Adam Creek Provincial Park

    Adam Creek Provincial Park is a small, non-operating nature reserve near the Ottawa River in eastern Ontario. Known for its wetlands and wildlife habitat, the park offers a peaceful environment for low-impact activities like birdwatching and nature study. There are no visitor facilities, making it best suited for experienced outdoor enthusiasts.

    Read more: Adam Creek Provincial Park
  • Chapleau-Nemegosenda River Provincial Park

    Chapleau-Nemegosenda River Provincial Park is a remote, non-operating waterway park in northeastern Ontario, offering a scenic and challenging canoe route through lakes, rivers, and boreal forest. With no visitor facilities, it’s ideal for experienced paddlers seeking solitude, wildlife viewing, and backcountry camping along a historic route through pristine wilderness.

    Read more: Chapleau-Nemegosenda River Provincial Park
  • Dana-Jowsey Lakes Provincial Park

    Dana-Jowsey Lakes Provincial Park is a remote, non-operating park in northeastern Ontario, protecting a series of small lakes, wetlands, and boreal forest. With no visitor facilities, it offers a quiet backcountry experience ideal for canoeing, wildlife viewing, and low-impact recreation. The park supports ecological preservation in a peaceful, undisturbed natural setting.

    Read more: Dana-Jowsey Lakes Provincial Park
  • Englehart River Fine Sand Plain and Waterway Provincial Park

    Englehart River Fine Sand Plain and Waterway Provincial Park is a remote, non-operating park in northeastern Ontario, protecting unique sand plain ecosystems, wetlands, and sections of the Englehart River. With no visitor facilities, it offers backcountry paddling, wildlife viewing, and nature exploration for experienced adventurers seeking solitude in a diverse and ecologically significant landscape.

    Read more: Englehart River Fine Sand Plain and Waterway Provincial Park
  • Esker Lakes Provincial Park

    Esker Lakes Provincial Park, located in northeastern Ontario, features a scenic chain of lakes formed by ancient glacial eskers. The park offers family-friendly camping, excellent paddling routes, hiking trails, and great fishing opportunities. Surrounded by boreal forest, it’s a peaceful retreat ideal for canoeing, wildlife viewing, and enjoying nature in a serene setting.

    Read more: Esker Lakes Provincial Park
  • Frederick House Lake Provincial Park

    Frederick House Lake Provincial Park is a remote, non-operating park in northeastern Ontario that protects the shoreline, wetlands, and forests around Frederick House Lake. With no visitor facilities, it offers a peaceful setting for backcountry camping, canoeing, and wildlife viewing. Ideal for experienced outdoor enthusiasts seeking solitude in a pristine boreal landscape.

    Read more: Frederick House Lake Provincial Park
  • Fushimi Lake Provincial Park

    Fushimi Lake Provincial Park, located near Hearst in northeastern Ontario, offers lakeside camping, excellent fishing, and scenic paddling on its large, quiet lake. Surrounded by boreal forest, the park features hiking trails, sandy beaches, and peaceful campsites. It’s an ideal destination for families and outdoor enthusiasts seeking relaxation and nature in a remote setting.

    Read more: Fushimi Lake Provincial Park
  • Hicks-Oke Bog Provincial Park

    Hicks-Oke Bog Provincial Nature Reserve is a remote, non-operating park in northeastern Ontario, approximately 40 km southwest of Smooth Rock Falls. It protects a vast peatland ecosystem featuring valley, treed, shrub, and graminoid bogs with significant organic deposits. With no visitor facilities, it offers a pristine setting for ecological research and low-impact exploration.

    Read more: Hicks-Oke Bog Provincial Park
  • Kap-Kig-Iwan Provincial Park

    Kap-Kig-Iwan Provincial Park, located near Englehart in northeastern Ontario, features scenic waterfalls, forested trails, and dramatic river rapids along the Englehart River. The park offers family-friendly camping, hiking, and nature photography opportunities. It’s a peaceful destination for outdoor enthusiasts looking to explore the beauty of northern Ontario’s landscapes and enjoy a relaxing natural escape.

    Read more: Kap-Kig-Iwan Provincial Park
  • Kesagami Provincial Park

    Kesagami Provincial Park is a vast, remote wilderness park in northeastern Ontario, known for its windswept spruce forests, wetlands, and the large, shallow Kesagami Lake. With no visitor facilities, it offers backcountry paddling, excellent fishing, and wildlife viewing. Ideal for experienced adventurers seeking solitude and exploration in an untouched subarctic landscape.

    Read more: Kesagami Provincial Park

Park Blog

  • Ontario Provincial Parks With the Best Hiking Trails

    Ontario Provincial Parks With the Best Hiking Trails

    Discover nine Ontario Provincial Parks with some of the best hiking trails in the province. From scenic Lake Superior lookouts and challenging mountain climbs to waterfalls and easy family-friendly walks, explore outstanding hiking destinations. Compare trail distances, difficulty levels, and attractions, and find practical tips to help plan your next Ontario hiking adventure.

    Read more

  • Where to Eat Near Pinery Provincial Park

    Where to Eat Near Pinery Provincial Park

    Looking for somewhere to eat while camping at Pinery Provincial Park? Discover restaurants, cafés, pizza, pub food and easy takeout options in nearby Grand Bend and Port Franks, plus convenient food choices inside the park. Find ideas for breakfast, lunch or dinner when you’re ready to give the camp stove a break.

    Read more

  • Visiting Sleeping Giant Provincial Park: What You Need to Know

    Visiting Sleeping Giant Provincial Park: What You Need to Know

    Discover Sleeping Giant Provincial Park near Thunder Bay, from camping at Marie Louise Lake and hiking the famous Top of the Giant to paddling, cycling, fishing, and shorter nature trails. Learn what to pack, where to camp, when to visit, and what you should know before exploring this spectacular Northern Ontario park.

    Read more

  • Radio-Free Campgrounds in Ontario Provincial Parks

    Radio-Free Campgrounds in Ontario Provincial Parks

    Looking for a quieter camping experience? Discover radio-free campgrounds in Ontario Provincial Parks, including options at Awenda, Bon Echo, Algonquin, Grundy Lake, MacGregor Point, Balsam Lake and more. Learn what radio-free camping means, how it differs from generator-free camping, and how to choose the right campsite for your next Ontario adventure.

    Read more

  • Family-Friendly Ontario Provincial Parks Worth Visiting

    Family-Friendly Ontario Provincial Parks Worth Visiting

    Discover some of the best family-friendly Ontario provincial parks for camping, swimming, hiking, paddling, wildlife watching, and outdoor adventures. From Sandbanks and Pinery to Algonquin, Awenda, Killbear, and more, these parks offer plenty of ways for families to enjoy time together outside.

    Read more

  • Scenic Drives Near Ontario Provincial Parks

    Scenic Drives Near Ontario Provincial Parks

    Discover some of the best scenic drives near Ontario provincial parks, from Highway 60 through Algonquin to the rugged Lake Superior shoreline. Explore beautiful routes near Killarney, Bon Echo, Pinery, the Bruce Peninsula, and Northwestern Ontario, with ideas for viewpoints, small towns, hikes, beaches, and stops along the way.

    Read more